I have always been interested in photography. I bought my first camera when I left school and started working - it was just a point and shoot and I was always frustrated that it didn't take the kinds of pictures I wanted, but I didn't know why.

I learnt about SLR cameras right before I had Daniel and later began wanting one. I only managed to buy one (film) when Daniel was a toddler, but I fell in love!

I HIGHLY recommend that you buy the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Seriously, if you want to learn how to use your camera in manual, this is the book to read.

Over time my photos became better and friends started asking me to take pictures of their kids for them, and I decided to invest in a digital SLR and start my business in August 2005, when Noah was about five months old. I bought a 300D and later replaced it with another 300D when it died. Since then I've upgraded to a 20D (due for upgrading again!) and have a second as a backup.

Best thing you can do - lots and lots and lots of practice. Join a good digital photography forum online (there are plenty) and put your big girl panties on and ask for constructive criticism. And practise some more. But most of all, enjoy it.